I’m not broken: The danger of well-meaning assumptions
FIRST PERSON: We plan to occasionally publish blog posts that highlight the lived experience of people with disabilities. We’re proud to kick off the First Person blog feature with this piece by our own staff advocate Abigail Craig. If you have a story to tell, email kmichael@disabilityrightsar.org. I’m running late for philosophy class, per usual, […]
Free appropriate public education: What is the age range?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that ensures all children with disabilities have access to a free public education, including special education and related services. The services provided under the umbrella of a free appropriate public education should meet the following requirements: They must be provided at no cost to […]
UPDATED: DRA Statement on the Division of Services for the Blind Funding Crisis
This past legislative session, the Arkansas executive branch underwent a “government transformation.” In doing so, the Division of Services for the Blind (DSB) transferred from underneath the Department of Human Services to the Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Services. This transfer of DSB required them to change their name with the Rehabilitation Services Administration […]
FIRST PERSON: Ordinary acts, performed with the help of an extraordinary dog
As a person who is blind, I face many challenges in my everyday life. Over time, I’ve learned ways to adapt and accommodate in order to accomplish the many demands life places on a busy, working wife and mother. Quite honestly, the greatest challenge I face with my vision loss is mobility. The simple act […]
EPSDT: an ounce of prevention (and treatment) for children
The Medicaid Act provides a variety of both services and protections for people with disabilities. One of the populations that benefits the most from Medicaid services is children. Early Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) is a Medicaid benefit designed to increase the duration and scope of treatment provided to children. In doing so, EPSDT […]